July 25, 2012

Coffee Talk: Jane Schulak on Shell Mania

Recently I was at my friend Jane's home and she showed me an incredible tea service set made from shells that I now covet. I was simply blown away. The delicacy and intricacy of the constructions are kind of mind blowing, and I always marvel at Jane’s eye and world of beauty.

Photos above by Jane Schulak

I had already known that my pal was a big shell lover, but the more we talked, the more I thought it would be fun for her to share with us more of her world (shell) view. Jane was nice enough to open some of her favorite books, drawers, rooms, and mind . . .

David Stark: When did shells first become magical to you?

Jane Schulak: I remember exactly when not only "shell magic," but also "shell obsession" became a permanent part of my insatiable appetite. There arose in me a need to dive deep into how, when, and where shells fit into the decorative arts puzzle. Both times I was in a garden of a very special friend...can't think of a better, more meaningful place in the world to become a full-fledged "shell addict"! After those experiences, there simply was no turning back; the beauty and the poetry of shells had found a serious spot in my soul.

David Hicks' garden. Photo by Jane Schulak

A small room in a 16th century garden folly in Normandy where my friend was slowly affixing mussel shells in the most wonderful patterns as she collected them.

Photo by Jane Schulak

DS: What is the allure of shells for you? Why do you think it has held such allure for designers and artisans over so much time?

JS: I am totally fascinated by the relationship between natural history and design. For hundreds of years, artists, designers, and collectors have felt the need to explore and interpret the innate visual poetry and mystery that shells so respectfully own.

It was very fashionable to build a cabinet of curiosity for yourself, and it still is!!!

From "Cabinets de Curosités" by Christine Davenne. Photo by Christine Fleurent

From "The Still Lifes of Adriaen Coorte: 1683-1707" by Quentin Buvelot

Photo by Jane Schulak

Shell figures were commissioned by the most important collectors all over Europe such as The Medici.

By Janine Janet

Photo by Gregory Saldana

By Thomas Boog, photo by Gregory Saldana

DS: What are some of the most inspiring shell art/ decor/ installation/room/object/garden moments for you?

JS: There are so many inspiring shell moments that stand out in my mind. Personally, I think nothing is more ravishing than to have a room totally encrusted in shells, such enchantment, wonder, beauty, and total luxury!

Photos below of a Shell Thatched Cottage at the Château de Rambouillet, built for Queen Marie-Antoinette.

Photos courtesy of Andrew Hopkins Art

Janine Janet was a master at taking the humblest of materials and making serious visual poetry. Her inspiration came from The Medici shell statuettes and the Rambouillet Pavilion. She was a set designer, as well as, a decorator, and a completely inspired artist.

By Janine Janet, photo by Roland Beafre

Probably one of the most inspiring garden moments in my life, was seeing the Tsarskie Selo bridge at St. Petersburg the Palace, built in the 1700's by Peter the Great. To me, there is nothing more blow-your-mind beautiful than the Chinese bridge with those urns overflowing so graciously with coral branches like the hair of medusa.

Photo by Jane Schulak

DS: Do you love the beach?

JS: Well ... what do you think? I have a really hard time controlling myself and the need to be dressed in shells or eat off of them.

2011 Prada, photo by Gregory Saldana

DS: If time and money were not an issue, what would be your fantasy shell installation?

JS: That's an easy one ... I already have a plan! I can't think of anything more delicious than being able to wake up every morning in the Palais Royal in Paris to a pied-a-terrre totally encrusted in shells! I think I'll take my inspiration directly from the grotto Margate!!!!

From the June 2004 issue of The World of Interiors, photos by Bill Batten

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Jane Schulak did it again!!! She inspired me to become a more art oriented person! She has the best artistic taste! I would love to meet were and get to know her better! She is a person worth worshiping and learning more about!!! I love Jane Schulak! I wish I were related to her so I could be as tasteful as she is with her clothes and designs! Jane seems like such amazing women! If I were a man I would want to take her out on a date to some where great and French! Only the best for Jane! Jane is the best! A stellar women!

I am A jane Schulak Admirer! She rocks my word with her intelligence! I'm so happy she was born... without her knowledge a life is incomplete! Jane is my ultimate Art hero! I have posters of her work all over my walls!

I have seen janes blogs and think that she is incredibly smart and detailed oriented! I have never seen a more intelligent, smart, sophisticated and artful women. I love Jane schulak. She is a real Gem! She is so incredible and hard working!